Book Publishing: Kinds of Editors

Now that we know how an editor’s responsibilities and power of influence differs from the publisher’s, here is more about book publishing, the kinds of editors you may encounter with a large New York publishing house, and their purview as far as jobs.

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New to the Book Business?

An author needs to study the industry if she wants to have a book traditionally published by a large New York publishing house. Other authors don’t have the time to teach you. You can cobble together enough information on the Internet or take a class online. If you don’t take a class, you should take the time to research and learn on your own before you jump in and make novice mistakes. You wouldn’t start a dress-making business without the research, know-how, proper materials, pattern and knowledge, why should writing a book be any different?

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Who Are Editors?

There are many misconceptions about editors. Are they supporters or enemies? Do they have the power to take on anything? Will they serve as your guide? Can they get you more money? There are so many questions to ask. But we’d best begin at the beginning of book publishing, with kinds of editors.

Publisher/CEO: The person in charge of everything at a publishing firm.

Reader: Screens unsolicited manuscripts.

Senior Editor: Usually an acquisition editor with decision-making power, long-timer.

Supervising Editor: Ambiguous, synonym for project editor.

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Your Checklist

Now you are one step closer because you know the kinds of editors who work on books. There is much more to learn, but you can check off book editors because you know how the titles match the jobs.

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Reference & Resource

• The Gatekeepers: All About Agents and Editors—Getting them, working with them, and growing as a career author, e-class taught by Andrea Campbell at WOW! Women on Writing.com; http://www.wowwomenonwriting.com/WOWclasses.html#AndreaCampbell

• The Forest for the Trees: an editor’s advice to writers by Betsy Lerner (Riverhead Books, 2000).

Book Publishing Series

What is the difference between a publisher and an editor? How many editors are there? Do you know the terminology and lingo inherent in book publishing? This series of articles answers these questions and more—what every aspiring author should know about a typical New York book publishing house.